Fines plan for truancy parents

The Government today defended plans to charge parents of truanting children on-the-spot fines of up to £100.

Fixed penalty notices of between £25 and £100 could be imposed by headteachers, police or council officers if children are caught out of class without permission.

The proposals are designed to reinforce existing laws, which can see parents prosecuted by local authorities, and provide a more immediate response to the problem of truanting.

Adult learning minister Ivan Lewis told BBC Breakfast that the fines would not hit parents who were struggling to get their children back to the classroom.

He said: "50,000 children truant every day and 50% are with the knowledge and acquiescence of their parents.

"These fixed penalty orders are part of a much

wider package...and they are aimed at those parents who simply refuse to co-operate with the authorities that are there to help them.

"The main emphasis will be positive support and help but if parents don't co-operate with the simple responsibility of ensuring their children are at school, we feel it is right to hold them to account."

Circumstances would be taken into account and fines would not be served if there were legitimate reasons for a child's absence, Mr Lewis said.

"But there is a minority who do not take their responsibilities very seriously and do not respect the importance of education," he said.

"This (truancy) is about blighting the life chances of children. It often spills out into the street in terms of anti-social and criminal behaviour.

"It's about saying that in a civilised society, there has to be an understanding that as a parent, a minimum basic requirement is to ensure that your child goes to school.

"It's a balance between rights and responsibilities," he added.

Under the proposals, the fine will start at £25 if the parent pays within 14 days but could double if they do not agree that the absence was unauthorised, and could reach £100 if payment is also late.